MSPS Holds Open Houses, Tours of New Location

Location, location, location. The Office of Multicultural Student Programs and Services‘ (MSPS) recent move from the periphery of campus on Calhoun Street to the heart of campus at 14 Green Way (next to the Sottile House) speaks volumes about the College’s commitment to diversity. Now the public is invited to share in the excitement at one of three open houses being held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 23; Thursday, Feb. 24; and Friday, Feb. 25, 2022.

Rochelle Johnson, director of MSPS, is excited about her office’s new location in the heart of campus. “This space is more accessible for students currently participating in our programs and more visible for students who are interested in becoming involved,” she says.

Known as the Knox-Lesesne House, the historic building underwent a yearlong renovation in 2018. The home was structurally stabilized and had some state-of-the-art innovations incorporated, including solar film panels on the metal roof that generate roughly 25% of the building’s energy needs on any given day. A large digital display in the entry foyer monitors the panels’ production. And south-facing windows have reflective film on them to reduce the building’s heat gain, while motion-sensing lights help reduce energy use throughout the structure.

The three-story, Italianate structure also has a unique history and some of the most distinctive wrought ironwork on campus. Originally built in 1846 by Katherine Knox after her late husband acquired the land from the College, it has had a series of owners, including Albert Oceola Jones, an African American politician during Reconstruction. In 1964, the College purchased the property from Alberta S. Long.

Previously home to the Center for Sustainable Development, now located at 207 Calhoun St., the 2,600-square-foot house has rooms for study groups, a shared space for prayer and meditation, and access to outdoor spaces.

Tours of the building will be offered throughout the MSPS open houses.